Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, United States District Judge Wendy Beetlestone will deliver the Heseltine Institute Annual lecture on Monday 11 December at 5.30pm.
In her lecture ‘Upholding Justice: The Importance of Judicial Independence in an Age of Uncertainty,’ Wendy will use her insight into judicial independence to reflect upon the important role of public institutions in meeting the unprecedented challenges faced by policy makers today.
An alumna of the University, Wendy was born in Nigeria and educated in Yorkshire. She graduated with a BA (Hons) in Philosophy in 1984, before embarking on a career as a TV journalist, entering the legal profession a decade later.
In 2014 she was nominated by US President Barack Obama to serve as a District Court Judge. Her jurisdiction covers both civil and criminal cases involving the US Constitution, US statutes, and diversity cases between citizens of different states.
Wendy’s lecture next month, her first in Liverpool as Chancellor, will address the long-term issues of uncertainty, complexity and contestation facing policy makers, linking to the Heseltine Institute’s latest series of high-profile policy briefings ‘Policy in An Age of Uncertainty.’
This is the third full policy briefing series produced by the Institute, designed to be a space for testing new policy ideas and showcasing new perspectives on policy. Briefings so far have focussed on a variety of topics such as devolution, regional economic policy and Metro Mayors. Wendy’s lecture will be a continuation of the over-arching theme of mediating the challenges posed by uncertainty.
Professor Catherine Durose, Co-Director at the Heseltine Institute said: “We’re delighted that Judge Wendy Beetlestone will be delivering our second Annual Heseltine Lecture, building on the success of last years’ lecture with Lord Heseltine.
“As policymakers grapple with increasingly complex world following a decade of political shocks, economic stagnation and a pandemic we look forward to hearing Wendy’s perspective on how public institutions can address the unique challenges posed by the modern world.
“We look forward to welcoming people from across the city to the lecture on 11 December.”
The Heseltine Institute Annual Lecture will take place on Monday 11 December 5.30pm – 7.30pm at the Liverpool Medical Institution and Conference Centre. There will be a Q&A session after the lecture followed by an informal drink reception.
The event is free to attend, but registration is required. You can book your tickets here.